Welcome to the first installment of “Ring Chasing.” This season we will be focusing on “Joining the Revolution” where we will be following the New England Patriots on their “Ring Chasing” journey.
Off-Season: The Patriots made a few big moves to help solidify their team. They traded most of their draft picks away but got some big-name players out of it. The traded for TE Stefan Kendricks, MLB Krys Barnes, and CB Gio Jenkins. Pats fans were stunned when they traded for Barnes having just drafted Vince Bing who was DROY. We asked coach Royce on why he made that trade, “Well Bing had an incredible season but we cannot expect him to do it alone. We like to use 2 MLBs and Barnes fits our scheme.”
The Patriots were able to sign DT Raekwon Davis to match up with former Alabama DR Christian Barmore. “Barmore called me and told me to sign. Happy to be in the trenches with him again.”
Draft: With very few picks, no one knew what the Patriots were going to do. Having re-signed Judon to a 1-year deal, everyone thought they would go OLB and have Judon mentor them. Everyone was wrong. Coach Royce took QB Terrelle McPherson out of Oklahoma St. “Mac has done a great job for us these past few seasons but we are not sure if he is our guy. We are not sure who will start week 1 but who ever does, that does not mean they are our guy all season.”
Pre-Season: McPherson took most of the snaps with the first team while Jones was with 2nd team. We asked Royce what was going on, “He needs to be ready to step in if Mac goes down. Only way to build chemistry is by working together. Still not sure who will be the week 1 starter but it will be a game time decision.”
Patriots also signed SS veteran Eric Rowe to the team. The former Dolphin is hoping to “lay out Jaylen Waddle” for all the times Waddle beat him in practice. He will get that chance week 2 when the Pats fly to Miami.
Regular Season: With kickoff upon us and still not starting QB named, what will the Patriots do when they fly to Seattle? They also will fly to Arizona and face the Cardinals in week 3. It should be a good few weeks for New England but it all depends on who Royce Starts. We will be back after week 3 and give you a rundown of how the season is shaping up.